Planets

Planets and Houses Planets

In Hindu Astrology there are nine planets or Grahas. These include Rahu and Ketu, which are
astronomical points formed where the moons orbit intersects the apparent path of the Sun around
the earth.  Each planet is considered to be having masculine, feminine or neutral characteristics
 
Planets and their equivalents in English
Graha English Name Sex
  Ravi   Sun     Masculine
  Chandra   Moon     Feminine
  Kuja   Mars     Masculine
  Budha   Mercury     Neutral
  Guru   Jupiter     Masculine
  Shukra   Venus     Feminine
  Sani   Saturn     Neutral
  Rahu   Dragon Head     Feminine
  Ketu   Dragon Tail     Neutral

Rahu and Ketu

The Moons apparent path intersects the ecliptic obliquely at two points called the nodes. The point
where the Moon crosses the ecliptic from south to north is called the ascending node or Rahu, where
it crosses the ecliptic from north to south is called descending node or Ketu. These two points are 180
degrees apart and their movement is constantly  retrograde, meaning, against the normal direction of
movement of planets. Rahu and Ketu are given special status and considered as planets in Indian
astrology.
Rahu and Ketu take approximately eighteen years and ten days to complete one round of the zodiac.

Zodiac
 
The Zodiac is a band 18 degrees wide and placed obliquely to the equator. This band can be imagined
running around the earth in an east-west direction. Groups of stars can be located along this imaginary
belt. This belt is divided into twelve equal parts called Rasi. It is also divided into 27 parts and each
part named after a star or group of stars located in the division

Houses

When a zodiac is divided into twelve equal parts, each such part has an extension of 30 degrees of
 arc. Such a division is called a sign or Rasi.
 
There are 12 houses of Rasi's
 
No. Indian System Western System
  1   Mesha     Aries
  2   Vrishabha     Taurus
  3   Mithuna     Gemini
  4   Karkata     Cancer
  5   Simha     Leo
  6   Kanya     Virgo
 
  7   Tula     Libra
  8   Vrischika     Scorpio
  9   Dhanu      Sagittarius
  10    Makara      Capricon
  11    Kumbha      Aquarius
  12    Meena      Pises
 
Lords of Houses
 
Each Rasi has a planet assigned to it as Lord of the House.

 
No. Lords of 12 Houses
  1   Mesha    Mangal or Kuja (Mars)
  2   Vrishabha    Shukra (Venus)
  3   Mithuna    Budha (Mercury)
  4   Karkata    Chandra (Moon)
  5   Simha    Surya (The Sun)
  6   Kanya    Budha (Mercury)
  7   Tula    Shukra(Venus)
  8   Vrischika    Kuja(Mars)
  9   Dhanu    Guru(Jupiter)
  10    Makara    Sani(Saturn)
  11    Kumbha    Sani(Saturn)
  12    Meena    Guru (Jupiter)

Exalted houses of Planets
 Each planet has a point in the zodiac where it attains maximum strength. The houses where they have
the maximum strength are called the houses of exaltation.

                   Planets and their exalted houses (Uchacha)

 
Exaltation
  1   Ravi -   Mesha
  2   Chandra -   Vrishabha
  3   Kuja -   Makara
  4   Budha -   Kanya
  5   Simha -   Karkata
  6   Shukra -   Meena
  7   Sani -   Tula
Debilitated houses of  planets
 

Each planet has a point in the zodiac where it has the minimum strength. The houses where the
planets have the minimum strength are called the houses of debilitation.

 
Debilitated houses of Planets
  1   Ravi -   Tula
  2   Chandra -   Vrischika
  3   Kuja -   Karkata
  4   Budha -   Meena
  5   Simha -   Makara
  6   Shukra -   Kanya
  7   Sani -   Mesha
Planetary relationship
 

Each planet considers another planet as friend, enemy or equal. Some relationships are not mutual, for
example, while one planet considers another as a friend, the second planet in turn may not see the first
one as a friend. Mercury and Moon are examples.

 
Planets Friends Equals Enemies
   Venus
  Moon
  Sun   Mercury    Sani
   Mars    Jupiter
   Rahu
   Mars
  Sun    Jupiter
  Moon    Rahu
   Mercury    Venus
   Saturn
  Mars   Sun    Venus    Mercury
    Moon
   Saturn    Rahu
   Jupiter
  Sun   Mars   
  Mercury    Venus    Jupiter    Moon
   Rahu    Saturn    
  Sun
  Saturn   Mercury
  Jupiter    Moon
   Rahu    Venus
   Mars
  Mercury
  Jupiter   Sun
  Venus    Saturn
   Mars    Moon
   Rahu
  Mercury   Sun
  Saturn    Venus    Jupiter    Moon
   Rahu    Mars
  Mercury   Sun
  Rahu    Venus    Jupiter    Moon
   Saturn    Mars
  Mercury
  Sun
   Venus
  Ketu    Jupiter    Moon
   Saturn
   Mars
   Rahu
Planets and gem stones
 

Each planet has a gem stone associated with it. The nine stones corresponding to the nine planets are
called the Navaratna group of stones.

 
Planet Gem Stone
  Ravi   Ruby

  Chandra   Pearl

  Kuja   Coral

  Budha   Emerald
   Pushyaraga
  Guru
   (Yellow Sapphire)
   Shukra    Diamond

  Saturn   Blue Sapphire

  Rahu   Gomed
  Ketu   Cat's eye
Planets and their colours
 

 
Planet Gem Stone
  Ravi   Red

  Chandra   White

  Kuja   Red

  Budha   Green

  Guru    Yellow

   Shukra    White

  Saturn   Blue

  Rahu   Smoke

  Ketu   Smoke

 
Periods of stay of each planet in each sign  

 
Planet Period of Stay
  Sun   30 days
  Moon   2 1/4 days
  Mars   45 days
  Mercury   30 days
  Jupiter   1 year
  Venus   30 days
  Saturn   2 years and 6 months
  Rahu   1 year and 6 months
  Ketu   1 year and 6 months

 
Planets and their elements  

 
Planet and their elements

  Mercury stands for Earthly element

  Sun Stands for Fiery element

  Saturn stands for Airy element

   Jupiter stands for Ethereal element

   Venus & Moon stands for Watery

element

 
Types of houses  

 
Movable Fixed Common
(Chara) (Sthira) (Dwiswabhava)
  Mesha   Vrishabha    Mithuna
  Karkata   Simha    Kanya
  Tula   Vrischika    Dhanu
  Makara   Kumbha    Meena

Natural benefics: Jupiter, Mercury, Venus and Waxing Moon Natural malefics:Saturni, Mars, Rahu,
Ketu and Sun.

 
Characteristics Associated with Planets  

Planets are associated with color, metal, elements, grains, seasons etc. Also they are believed to
belong to certain caste and sex. These characteristics and associations are given in a table below.

 
Character Sun Moon Mars Mercury
Copp
Color White Red Green
er
Sathw
Nature Sathwa Thamas Rajas
a
Eunuch(Fem
Sex Male Female Male
ale)
Kshtri
Caste Vysya Kshtriya Sudra
ya
Element Fire Water Fire Earth
Subrama
Diety Agni Varuna Vishnu
nya
Garment Thick New HalfBurnt Wet
Metal/mat Copp
Gems Gold Brass
erial er
Bone
Parts Blood Marrow Skin
s
Whea
Grains Paddy Lentil GreenGram
t
Seasons Sum Winter Summer Autumn
 mer
Pung
Taste Salt Acidity Mixed
ent
Place
of
Residence Springs Fire Play-ground
worsh
ip
Tempera Biliou Phlegm
Bilious Mixed
ment s atic

 
Character Jupiter Venus Saturn
Mixed Blue/Blac
Color White/Yellow
Gold&Silver k
Nature Sathwa Rajas Thamas
Eunuch
Sex Male Female
(Female)
Caste Brahman Brahman Chandala
Element Ether Water Air
Diety Indra Indrani Brahma
Garment Shabby Strong Rag
Metal/materia Diamond(Pearl
Silver Iron(Lead)
l )
Parts Flesh&Brain Semen Muscles
BengalGra
Grains Beans Sesamin
m
All
Seasons Snow Spring
Seasons
Bitter &
Taste Sweet&Cool Sour
Astringent
Residence Store-house Bed-Chamber Dustbin
Temperamen Windy
Phlegmatic Windy
t &Phlegmatic
3. Characteristics of the 12 houses
Introduction  

As explained in the previous lessons, the Zodiac is divided into 12 houses or Rasis. The planets are
positioned in these houses. The position of Moon is taken as the Birth Rasi. For example if the Moon is
in the sign Mesha(Aries), the birth Rasi (Janma Rasi) is Mesha. Here you have to remember that the
signs referred here as per the Indian system is quite different from the birth signs referred to in the
western system of astrology. In the western system, the position of Sun is taken, in other words, it is
the Sun sign. Here we use the Moon sign. (Life of a person is ruled by the nine planets in rotation as
per the Dasa system of Indian astrology. These periods are further sub-divided into Bhukti (Apahara).
These concepts will be explained in the lesson to follow.)

 
Mesha(Aries)  

People born in this sign are ambitious and forceful in their character. Mostly they are of independent
disposition. They have physical and mental energy to face any difficult situation. Dynamism and push
are the catch words for these people. They enjoy personal glory and tend to dominate others. They
have the weakness of exaggerating things. Often short-sighted in their approach, they are inclined to
lose patience too fast. They may speak falsehood for the sake of selfish motives. Lack of self control
and headstrong tendencies are likely. For people born under the sign of Aries, the dasa periods of
Moon, Saturn, Mercury, Venus and Rahu are bad. Good planets are Jupiter and Sun. Their mutual
aspect or conjunction are very good.

 
Vrishabha (Taurus)  

The people of this sign will have good appearance and personality. They are emotional in their
behaviour. They have great attachment towards their people and friends. They are very luxurious in
their habits. The person will be amorous, impulsive and proud. They get carried away by praise. Health
of the partner will cause anxious moments. Music and mantras (ritual chanting) are associated with
Vrishabha Rasi. There will be long journeys. They have practical business abilities. They have to be
careful to avoid self indulgence and recognise flattery. Throat, heart and bladder usually tend to be the
sensitive organs and give problems. Mercury, Sun, Saturn and Rahu dasas are good. Jupiter, Venus,
Moon and Ketu dasas are bad. Saturn is benefactor.

 
Mithuna (Gemini)  

They will be spiritual and very analytical in mind. Art and literature fascinates these individuals. They
will be versatile, eloquent and inventive and will have business acumen . They will be busy in two
different fields of activity. The person of this sign will have intellectual attainments. He will have gains
through his relatives. Will have public acclaim. There will be some sexual problems. If Mars, Saturn,
Rahu or Ketu afflict the horoscope, particularly the Lagna or the Lagna Lord there will be more difficulty
in all spheres of life. Weaknesses are : The person will have several diversified interests. Irregular sex
habits are their weakness. These people will suffer from pneumonia, pleurisy, asthma and anemia.
Good dasas are : Venus, Rahu and Ketu. Bad dasas are : Mercury, Jupiter, Sun and Mars.
 
Karkata (Cancer)  

The characteristics of this house are flexibility, interest in mysteries, travelling indisposition. It rules
chest and heart of the body. Public and social prominence can be expected. The influence of the
parents will be very great. Will have a secret and concealing nature. Can master many languages. The
person of this rasi will be extremely sensitive. Complaints of health arise out of the emotional or
worried nature. Often they tend to have problems in married life including possible loss of issues.
Dasas of Mars, Jupiter and Ketu are good ones. Mars is the one and the only Yogakaraka or
benefactor. Dasas of Venus, Mercury and Rahu are bad. Sensitivity of lungs and health complaints
connected with brain and breathing may cause problems.

 
Simha (Leo)  

It gives a kingly personality, magnanimity and lion hearted nature. Martial nature may create some
situations. The person will be honoured and capable of guiding and inspiring others. The person will be
extremist in love and in philosophy. Will be fond of visiting forests and hilly places. Will gain esteem
and governmental recognition. Will posses magnetic personality. Troubles connected with heart and
poor blood circulation can be expected. Tooth and stomach are the weak parts of the body. Dasas of
Sun, Mars and Rahu are good and those of Mercury, Venus and Ketu are bad.

 
Kanya (Virgo)  

They are very practical people. They are chaste, pure and refined. Sociable and friendly in nature, they
show up occasional shyness also. Well informed and scholarly personality. Later part of the life will be
peaceful. They show interest in the occult and ancient sciences. The persons of this Rasi will have
strong sense of justice. With regard to health, intestine, alimentary canal and liver pose certain
problems. Good Dasas are Saturn, Venus and Ketu. Bad Dasas are Jupiter, Moon, Mars and Rahu.

 
Tula (Libra)  

Since the Rasi is symbolic of balance, equilibrium and justice are its key notes. Weighing both the
sides of every problem is its character. They have a slightly detached temperament and gentle
manners. Children will be few in number. They will be interested in gaining knowledge and tend to be
eloquent. Gain through woman. Will have a spiritual bend of mind and remain God fearing. Will need
strong control over sexual urges. With regard to health, kidneys and liver may give problems. Dasas of
Moon, Jupiter, Sun and Ketu are bad.

 
Vrischika (Scorpio)  

Temperamentally they are emotional and possessive. They are cunning. Will have only few friends.
These persons may get unexpected legacies and gifts. They have strong sexual urges compared to
other signs. They are highly secretive. Trouble in sex and love affairs. Will have many relatives. Dasas
of Jupiter, Sun, Moon, Rahu and Ketu are good. Dasas of Mercury, Saturn, Mars and Venus are bad.
Persons born under Scorpio will suffer from trauma, colic and piles.

 
Dhanu (Sagittarius)  
The type of people we come across here are very jovial. They are very friendly and cheerful in nature.
They are of deep thinking and of high intellect with a quick temper and strong passion. They show
great interest in out door sports. They are quite independent in nature. These people can handle men
and matter very well. In family life, they may have many problems. Difference of opinion among family
members may create difficulties. Diseases connected with excess of heat in the body will trouble these
people. Good Dasas are of Sun, Moon and Mars. Bad Dasas are that of Moon and Venus.

 
Makara (Capricorn)  

The people of this house have deep common sense. Their aspirations are very high. From a humble
beginning they rise to greater heights. They face difficulties in life boldly and achieve their goals. They
are likely to have many enemies. They have to face domestic strife. Difference of opinion among the
house hold members will be a regular feature. Adamant by nature, persons of Makara Rasi will not be
inclined to take advice from others. They keep suspecting others and mistrust their attitude. Shortage
of funds will be experienced during some period in their life and great financial losses cannot be ruled
out. They should be careful not to indulge in sinful deeds which will affect their mental peace. They
have to be very careful regarding illegal transactions. Generally these people will be opposed by their
relatives. They are likely to be separated from their parents, preceptors and their dear ones. The
Dasas which are good for the persons of Makara sign are Venus and Mercury. The bad Dasas are
Mars, Moon, Jupiter and Ketu.

 
Kumbha (Aquarius)  

Very great saints and thinkers have been born in this house. Among the 12 signs of the zodiac this
sign is attached to occult subjects. The people of this house will have unexpected travels. They have to
face problems on the domestic front. Their friends influence them more than their relatives. They are
generally idealists. If major planets favour this sign they have the potential to become ideal servants of
humanity who contribute great knowledge and wisdom for the progress of mankind. The materialistic
prosperity of these people are linked to their spiritual nature itself. If they lack spirituality, they are
bound to become self-centered and unconcerned of the progress of humanity. Physically these people
may suffer from the ailments connected with legs, teeth, eyes and ears. They may also suffer from lack
of blood circulation. Good Dasas are of Ravi, Venus, Saturn and Rahu. Bad Dasas are that of Jupiter,
Moon and Mars.There will be threat to life during the Dasas of Moon, Mars, Mercury and Ketu.

 
Meena (Pisces)  

The people of this house are very analytical and emotional in their behaviour. They will be having
fluctuating moods. They have great love and affection towards their friends and relatives. They may
have many brothers and sisters. The children who are born to these people are fortunate. They have
more compassion and desire to help all who suffer. At certain periods in their lives they may have to
lead a life of seclusion. They also have a fascination to the studies of occult and physical sciences.
They may have to suffer from certain ailments due to long journeys. They are likely to have more
daughters than sons. If they pursue intellectual or artistic lines they are bound to succeed in life. They
frequently suffer from common colds and mucous discharges. The good Dasas are that of Mars, Moon
and Ketu. Bad Dasas are of Venus, Sun and Mercury and these periods will be very critical in their
lives.
 4. Stars and Planets
 
Nakshatras and their Nature.  

The 360 degrees of the Zodiac is divided into 27 parts called Nakshatras (Constellation of stars). Each
extends to 13 degrees and 20 minutes of arc. Nakshatras are also ruled by planets. Rahu and Ketu are
also alloted the ownership. Names of the Nakshatras (Stars), their appearance, nature and Lords are
given in the table below.

 
Appearan
  Star Nature Ruler
ce

3 stars
resembling Auspiciou
1 Aswini Ketu
a horse's s
face

3 stars
resembling
Inauspicio
2 Bharani a female Venus
us
sexual
organ.

Constellati
Inauspicio
3 Krittika on of 6 Sun
us
stars

5 stars
Auspiciou
4 Rohini resembling Moon
s
an ear.

3 stars like Auspiciou

5 Mrigasira Mars
a head. s

Star like a Auspiciou

6 Ardra Rahu
coral head. s

5 stars like
Semi
7 Punarvasu a potter's Jupiter
auspicious
wheel.

3 stars
resembling Auspiciou
8 Pushya Saturn
a blood s
sucker.
 6 stars like Inauspicio Mercu
9 Ashlesha
a serpent. us ry

5 stars like
1 Destructiv
Makha a Ketu
0 e
palanquin.

2 stars
1 Purvaphalg resembling
Fatal Venus
1 uni human
eyes.

1 Uttaraphalg 2 stars like

Intelligent Sun
2 uni eyes.

5 stars like
1
Hasta human Fortunate Moon
3
fingers.

1 1 star like Auspiciou

Chitra Mars
4 a pearl. s

1 1 star like Auspiciou

Swati Rahu
5 a sapphire. s

5 stars like
1 Inauspicio
Vishakha a potter's Jupiter
6 us
wheel.

3 stars
1 resembling Success
Anuradha Saturn
7 an giving
umbrella.

5 stars like
1 a Destructiv Mercu
Jyeshta
8 crouching e ry
lion.

5 stars like
1 a Destructiv
Moola Ketu
9 crouching e
lion.

2 stars
2 Poorvashad each Destructiv
Venus
0 a forming a e
square.

2 stars
2 each
Uttarashada Intelligent Sun
1 forming a
square.

2 3 stars like
Shravana Happy Moon
2 an arrow.
 3 stars like
2 Auspiciou
Dhanishta an Sun's Mars
3 s
head.

100 stars
2
Satabhisha resembling Happy Rahu
4
a flower.

2 stars
each
2 Poorvabhad
forming Fatal Jupiter
5 ra
the legs of
a cot.

2 stars
each
2 Uttarabhadr
forming Fortunate Saturn
6 a
the legs of
a cot.

2 3 stars like Mercu

Revati Happy
7 a fish. ry

Each of these constellations is divided into four quarters of padas and we have 27*4=108 padas
comprising the whole of the zodiac. Each pada gets 3 degrees 20'(Three degree and twenty minutes).

 
Different names of 9 planets  

 
Planet    Different Names
Sun    Ravi, Surya, Aditya, Arka and Bhanu
Moon    Chandra, Soma and Sitamsu
Mars    Kuja, Angaraka and Bhoma or Bhumija
Mercury    Budha, Soumya, Gna, Somaja
Jupiter    Guru, Jiva, Brihaspathi, Suri
Venus    Shukra, Sita, Bhrigu and Kavya
Saturn    Sani, Ravija, Asita and Manda
Rahu    Dragons' Head,Thama and Sarpa
Ketu    Dragon's Tail, Sikhi

 
Planetary Directions  

 
    Direction     Planet
     East     Sun
    West     Saturn
    North     Mercury
    South     Mars
    North-East     Jupiter
    South-East     Venus
    North-West     Moon
    South-West     Rahu

 
Planetary States  

Planets are said to have certain states called 'avastas'. Avastas or planetary states are grouped into
several heads. The ten states, describing the physical-mental conditions of the planets are:

1. Deeptha or exaltation - gives long life, successful work, good family, promising children, wealth,
fame, respect and conveyances.

2. Swastha or residence in their own house - permanence, happiness, sound education, good
position.

3. Muditha or residence in friendly sign- good dress, fine taste, sweet scents, flowers, women,
position and happiness.

4. Santha or planets in auspicious sub-divisions- timely strength and courage, helping relations,
comfortable life, health and happiness.

5. Saktha or retrograde motion- courage, prosperity, successful position, reputation, wealth, good
relations. In retrograde motion, good planets produce happiness and bad planets give evil effects and
misery.

6. Peedya or planets in the last quarter or Navamsa of the sign - hatred, quarrelsome relations,
family dissension, criminal prosecutions, pilfering habits, expulsion from country.

7. Deena or planets in unfriendly houses - sickness, meanness, mental worry, derangement in

brain, social degradation or excommunication, bigoted persecutions.

8. Vikala or planets in combustion - mental disorder, orphanage, many face expulsion from country,
public disgrace of children, wife and friends.

9. Khala or planets in debilitation - constant losses, vulgar birth, troubles from unexpected sources,
quarrels with parents, imprisonment, disease, misery and utter disregard for that which is noble and
sacred.

10. Bheetha or acceleration - loss due to fire, foes, kings and thieves. Persecution, tortures,
disgraceful life, vulgar habits, danger in foreign countries. In predicting the results, it is to be noted that
the evil conjuctions and aspects add to the misery and good conjuctions and aspects are beneficial
 6. Directional Strength of Planets

Directional strength of Planets:  

Birth or Ascendant denotes East direction in any horoscope. Here Jupiter and Mercury are powerful
and get their directional strength (digbala).

10th house in any horoscope from the ascendant represents South direction and here Mars and Sun
will become very strong and have their directional strength.

7th house in any horoscope represent West direction. There Saturn becomes powerful and gets
directional strength.

The respective planets in the opposite houses shown above will loose their directional strength.

Planetary strength according to time: Moon, Mars and Saturn are powerful during nights. Mercury is
always powerful.

Sun, Jupiter and Venus are strong during day times.

General strength of planets (from strongest to weakest) can be listed as Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter,
Mercury, Mars & Saturn.

Rahu and Ketu give results according the houses they occupy and their lords.

 
Combustion  
If a planet is within 5 degree of the Sun it is considered to be really combust. If it is within 20 degrees it
is in ordinary combustion. If the planet is within 15 degrees it is in nominal combustion. Planets in
combustion give malefic results.

 
Planetary Natures  

Sun, Jupiter and Moon are divine planets and they have swathwika character. Venus and Mercury are
Rajasa by nature. Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are Thamasa or dark and gloomy in nature.

 
36 Limbs of Human body  

A zodiac sign or Rasi of 30 degrees is divided into three Drekkanas (Decante) of 10 degrees each. So
in total, there are 36 Drekkanas spread over the 12 Rasis. The limbs and organs of the human body
are associated to these Drekkanas as given in the following table.

 
Rasi First Second Third
No. Drekkana Drekkana Drekkana

1. Head Neck Pelvis

Right Generative
2 Right Eye
Shoulder Organ

3 Right Ear Right Arm Right Testicle

4 Right Nostril Right Side Right Thigh

5 Right Cheek Right Heart Right Knee

6 Right Jaw Right Chest Right Calf

7 Mouth Navel Legs

8 Left Jaw Left Chest Left Calf

9 Left Cheek Left Heart Left Knee

10 Left Nostril Left Side Left Thigh

11 Left Ear Left Arm Left Testicle

12 Left Eye Left Shoulder Arms

 
7. Planets and Significators

Astrological terminology  

Some of the astrological terms are defined below.

Dasa : The rising sign at the time of birth which is called Lagna or Radical.
 Apoklima : The 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12 th houses from the rising sign.

Ayanas : Uttarayana and Dhakshinayana are the two periods of six months each into which Hindu
Astrological year is divided. The former denotes the period when the sun is in the Northern Circle
between Capricorn to Cancer. The latter is the period when the Sun is in Southern Circle between
Cancer and Capricorn.

Athichara (Acceleration) : The movement of a planet faster than its mean velocity.

Common Signs : Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

Conjunction : The location of two or more planets in the same longitude. Conjunctions is very
powerful if the planets be in the same degree and minute.

Dignities : A planet is dignified when it occupies its own house, Its moolatrikona or
Exaltation,aspected by a benefic, unaspected by a malefic, when it is not retrograde and when it is
increasing in light.

Fixed Signs : Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius.

Janma Nakshatra : The asterism ruled by the Moon at birth of a person.

Gochara : The configuration of planets at any given time.

 
Degrees of main Exaltation of Planets  

The following table shows the degree of main exaltation of the different planets

 
Sign Degree of main
    Planet Exaltation
Exaltation

    Sun Aries 10

    Moon Taurus 3

    Mars Capricorn 28

    Mercury Virgo 15

    Jupiter Cancer 5

    Venus Pisces 27

    Saturn Libra 20

 
Plantes and Significators  

 
    Planet Significators

    Sun Soul of Atma or Eye

     Moon Mind, Intellectuality

    Mars Physical Courage and Strength

    Mercury Speech and power of eloquence

    Jupiter Wisdom or Vedic Knowledge and Gnana

    Saturn Sorrow and Miseries

 
Planetary Characteristics (Karakathwas)  

 
    Planet Characteristics

Royal Cast, fond of hot things, shoulders,

    Sun bold, status, temples, father, soul fame, red
colour.

Intelligent ,stout body, sweet speech,

    Moon phlegmatic, mother,gems, mind water, saltish
white colour.

Bold, Capricous, advantageous, fiery places,

    Mars brothers and sisters, servans, red colour,
military science.

Witty , Flexible nature, prudent, cunning, good

    Mercury speech, knowledge, handsome countenance,
green colour, intelligence, learning.

Stout body, gold colour, charitable, priesthood,

    Jupiter children charitable, treasure, yellow
colour,honour, wisdom.

Sexual pleasure, luxuries of life, charming

    Venus
ladies, wealth,vehicle, sour taste.

Dark colour ,tall,large teech , windy

    Saturn constitution, cruel, vindicative,lazy , death ,
acid taste.

Tanks, cultivation, rest houses and maternal

    Rahu
grand-father.

Grand parents, griefs,emancipation or

    Ketu
moksham.

 
Duration of each house or Lagna  

Ascendant in a day differ from place to place. Duration of each house for South India is given as an
example:

 
    House Duration

    Mesha 1 hr 36 min

    Libra 2 hr 6 min.

    Vrishaba 1 hr 48 min

    Scorpio 3 hr 12 min.

    Mithuna 2 hr 6 min

    Dhanus 2 hr 12 min

    Kataka 2 hr 12 min

    Makara 2 hr 6 min.

    Simha 2 hr 6 min.

    Kumbha 1 hr 46 min

    Virgo 2 hr 6 min.

    Meena 1 hr 36 min.

 
Planetary Results  

Planets in their exalted hous give full results. Planets in their own and moolathrikonas gives 3/4 results.
Planets in their friendly signs give 1/2 good results. Planets in their unfriendly signs give 1/4 good
results. Planets in their delilitated signs do not give any good.

Time One Vigati - 24 seconds 2 1/2 Vigatis - 1 minute. One Ghatika - 24 minutes 2 1/2 Ghatikas -1
hour. 60 Ghatikas - A day of 24 hours.

 
The duration of the planetary Dasha periods  

 
Dasa
   Planet
Period

    Sun 6 years

    Moon 10 years

    Mars (Kuja) 7 years

    Rahu 18 years

    Jupiter(Guru) 16 years

    Saturn(Sani) 19 years

    Mercury(Budha) 17 years
     Ketu 7 years

    Venus 20 years

 
Asthangatha or Setting of Planet  

If a planet is located within a particular degree from the sun becomes asthangatha or the planet
becomes set. It can only raise when it goes away from the Sun behind their respective degrees.

Moon becomes asthangatha within 12 degrees from the Sun. Mercury becomes asthangatha within 17
degrees from the Sun. Mercury (when retrograde) within 12 degrees from the Sun.Jupiter becomes
asthangatha within 11 degrees from the Sun. Venus becomes asthangatha within 10 degrees from the
Sun. Saturn becomes asthangatha within 15 degress from the Sun.

8. Planets and Zodiac

Astrological terminology  

Trines : The 5th, 9th and the 1st houses from the Lagna. Upachaya : The 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th
houses from a sign.

Vakra (Retrograde) : Planets that do not move in the regular order of signs. Rahu and Ketu always
move in the reverse direction and therefore always in Vakra. Planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter
and Saturun appear to reverse their motion, observed from the earth, during certain periods. They get
back to the regular motion after a while. These planets when they apparantly move in the reverse
direction are considered to be in Vakra or Retrograde.

Vedha : A Vedha planet is one that prevents or cuts off the benefic or malefic effects manifested by
another planet.

Vernal and Autumnal Equinox : The Vernal Equinox and Autmnal Equinox, occuring about March 21
and September 21, are the only two days in a year, when day and night are of equal length. The
Autmnal signs are Libra, Scropio and Sagittarius and the Vernal signs are Aries, Taurus and Gemini.
At each equinox day and night are of equal length. To set out for any venture at the time of equinox is
believed to be inauspicious with disastrous results.

Vargothama : Planet in the same house, both in Rasi and Navamsa. A Lagna if it is of same sign both
in Rasi and Navamsa is called Vargothama Lagna.

Recal : The horoscope at birth from which the past, present and future are determined. It is otherwise
called Lagna.

Quadrants : The 4th, 7th and 10th and 1st houses from any sign or Lagna.

Paksha : The fortnight during which, as the Moon goes on in it's orbit, the enlightened part comes
more and more into view till the full Moon when the whole of the illuminated disk will be towards us is
callled Sukla Paksha. The next fortnight during which her enlightened side is turned more and more
from us and it comes into conjunction with the Sun, forms Krishna Paksha.

Sukla means white and Sukla Paksha is the period when the Moon is waxing.

Krishna means dark and the Krishna Paksha is the period when the Moon is waning.
 Thithi : A thithi is a day of the Moon. Thithis ar 15 in number neckoned from New Moon day to next
Full Moon or from the Full Moon to the New Moon. The 1st day i.e., the day following the New Moon or
the Full Moon is callled prathama, 2nd Dhwithiya, 3rd Thrithiya, 4th Chathurthi, 5th Panchami, 6th
Shashti, 7th Sapthami, 8th Ashtami, 9th Navami, 10th Dasami, 11 th Ekadasi, 12th Dwadasi, 13th
Thrayodasi, 14th Chaturdasi.

Tarabala : If we have to assess whether a day's star is good or bad to us. We have to count from our
star to the days star and divide it by 9. The balance of number indicate the result. They are called as
follows :

 
  No. Result

1 Janma

2 Sampath

3 Vipath

4 Kshema

5 Prathyak

6 Sadhak

7 Vadha

8 Mithra

9 Param Mitra

Good Stars are 2,4,6 and 9

 
Dieties symbolising the planets and herbs  

The following table shows the degree of main exaltation of the different planets

 
Planets Diety Herbs

    Sun Siva Arka Plant

    Moon Gowri Palasa Plant

    Mars Kartika Khadhra

    Mercury Vishnu Apamarga

Dakshina
    Jupiter Fig tree (piple tree)
Murthy

    Venus Lakshmi Audumbara

Vanhi (Shami or
    Saturn Sastra
Banyan tree)
     Rahu Ganesha Darbha (Kusha)

 
Horoscopic Directions  

1st House stands for East

7th House stands for West
4th House stands for South
10th House stands for North

 
Malefics, Benefics, Death inflictors and Raja Yoga giver for 12 Rasis and Langna  

 
Death Rajayog
Malefic Benefic
    Lagna Planet a
s s
s Karakas

Sat,
Mer,
 Mesha Mar, Sun, Jup Sat
Ven
Ven

Jup, Jup,
 Vrishaba Ven, Sat, Sun Ven Sat
Moo Moo

Mar,
Mar,
 Mithuna Ven Sun, Ven
Jup
Moo

Ven, Ven,
 Karkatak
Sat, Jup, Mar Sat, Mar
a
Mer Mer

Sun, Jup,
Sat,
 Leo Mer, Mer, Mar
Ven
Ven Ven

Ven, Jup,
Jup,
 Kanya Mer, Moo, Ven, Mer
Moo
Mar Sun

Sun, Sat,
Jup,
 Thula Jup, Moo, Sat
Sun
Mar Mer

Mer, Jup, Mer,

Sun,
 Vrischika Ven, Sun, Ven,
Moo
Sat Moo Sat

Ven,
Sat, Mar,
 Dhanus Moo, Sun, Mer
Ven Ven
Mer

 Makara  Mar, Vem, Mar, Ven

 Jup,
Mer Jup
Moo

Mar, Mar,
 Kumbha Jup, Ven Jup, Mar, Ven
Moo Moo

Ven, Sat,
Sat, Moo. Ven,
 Meena Sat, Jup
Sun, Mar Sun,
Mer Mer

Saptha Rishis : Marachi, Athri, Angiras, Agasthya, Balaha, Krathu and Vasishta are considered to be
the seven Gurus (masters) of Vedic India.

 
Strength of planets during day and night  

Moon, Saturn, Mars are strong during night times.

Sun, Jupiter, Venus are strong during day times.
Mercury is strong during day as well as night times.

 
Important Sanskrit works to be consulted for mastery over the subject  

Important Sanskrit Authors . Vasista, Narada, Sakthi, Parashara, Vyasa, Vishnugupta, Vavana,
Devala, Maya, Jaimini, Manitha, Satyaacharya, Jivasharma, Maudaya.

 
No. Work No. Work

    Daivagna
    1     Kalamrita     16
Vilana

    Sarvatha
    2     17     Horapradpika
Chintamani

    3     Manasagari     18     Suryasiddanta

    Mahurtha
    4     19     Navanitarnava
Darpana

    Parashara
    5     Gopalarathnakara     20
Hora

    Daivagna
    6     Saravali     21
Bhushana

    Jathaka
    7     Nakshathra     22
Thathwa

    Jathaka
    8     Jinendra Mala     23
Parijatha

    9     Ududasha     24     Jathaka

 Pradipika Adashamarga

    10     Jathakalankara     25     Brihat Jathaka

    11     Yogavali     26     Horashara

    12     Jathakakalanithi     27     Krishna Misriya

    13     Karale     28     Phaladeepika

    14     Jathakachandrika     29     Uttarakalamrita

    15     Daivagni Bharana         

10. More Astrological terms

Benefics and Malefics  

Planets are considered as benefics or malefics by their nature as well as association.

 
Benefic
Venus, Jupiter, Mercury and waxing Moon
Planets
Malefic
Sun, Saturn, Mars and waning Moon
Planets

Here one should understand that Moon from 8th Lunar day  Suklapaksha (Waxing Moon) to 8th Lunar
day of Krishna Paksha (waning Moon) is benefic in quality and it becomes a malefic from 8th day of
Krishna Paksha to 8th Lunar day of Shukla Paksha. If Mercury happens to be with a malefic it also
becomes Malefic.
 
Shadbala  
The strength of a planet is determined by its six fold strength or Shadbala. Complex mathematical
routines are used to determine these strengths.
1 Sthanabala or positional strength
2 Dikbala or Directional strength
3 Kalabala or Temporal strength
4 Chestabala or Motional strength
5 Naisargikabala or Permanent strength
6 Drikbala or Aspect strength

The assessment of these strengths is useful in predicting the longevity, various aspects of life and
results based on the Dasa System.
 
 Animal Signs of Rasis  

Some zodiac signs have animal shapes associated with them as in the chart below.
 
Mesha Goat
Vrishabha Ox of Buffalo
Cancer Crab and Tortoise
Simha Tiger, Lion, Dog, Fox, Cat
Vrischika Snake, Scorpion
Dhanu Horse and Donkey
First half deer and the second half is frog and
Capricorn
crocodile
Meena Fish
 
Animal Signs of Stars  
 
Aswini and Satabisha Horse
Bharani and Revati Elephant
Bharani and Revati Goat
Rohini and Mrigasira Snake
Moola and Ardra Dog
Makha and Pubba Rat
Aslesha and Punarvasu Cat
Swati and Hasta Buffalo
Vishakha and Chitra Tiger
Jyeshta and Anuradha Rabbit
Uttara and Uttarabhadra Cow
Uttarashada Mongoose
Purvashada and Shravana Monkey
Purvabhadra and Dhanishta Lion
This nakshatra animation will be very useful in knowing marriage compatibility. If the stars of partners
have friendly animations it is a good family partnership. If they are neither friends nor enemies it gives
medium effects. If they are enemies their partnership in life will be difficult.
Enemy animal combinations are : Cow - Tiger, Elephant - Lion, Horse - Buffalo, Dog - Rabbit,
Mongoose - Snake, Monkey - Goat, Cat - Rat.
 
Lagna etc.  
Lagna : The rising sign at the moment of birth or at the commencement of a function.
Latitude : The distance of a planet from the Equator.
Longitude : The distance of a planet from the first point of Aries.
Lunar & Solar Months : The twelve Lunar (Chandra) months of a year are Chaithra, Vysakha,
Jyeshta, Ashada, Shravana, Badrapada, Aswayuja, Karthika, Mrigasira, Pushya, Makha and
Phalguna. A lunar month takes its name from the ruling star on the full moon day of that month.
The twelve solar (Soura) months are Mesha, Vrishabha, Mithuna, Kataka, Simha, Kanya, Tula,
Vrischika, Dhanu, Makara, Kumbha, Meena

 
Moolatrikona Signs of Planets  
Planets are strong and favorable when placed in their Moolatrikona Signs.
Moolathrikona Signs of Planets :
 
Moolatrikona
Planet
Sign
Sun Leo
Moon Taurus
Mars Aries
Mercury Virgo
Jupiter Sagittari
Venus Libra
Saturn Aquarius
Movable Signs:

Signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn are considered as movable signs and they indicate change
and mobility.

Fixed Signs :
Signs Vrishabha, Simha, Vrischika and Kumba are considered as fixed signs and they indicate
stability.
Mixed Signs:
Signs Mithuna, Kanya, Dhanu and Meena are considered as mixed signs and they indicate balance
between the fixed and movable signs.

 
Planetary Aspects  
All planets throw a full aspect to the 7th house, the 4th and 8th houses are aspected with three
quarters of a sight, 5th and 9th houses with half a sight, 3rd and 10th houses with quarter sight.

Of the planets aspecting with a full sight the Sun, the Moon, Mercury and Venus are strongest.

Of the planets aspecting with half sight Jupiter is the strongest. Among those that aspect with three
quarter of sight, Mars is strongest.

 
Significations of Houses  

The houses counted from the lagna are called bhavas. These bhavas from 1 to 12 signify the following
 Bhavas Significance
First Body, complexion, beauty, birth, fame, activity and high life.
Family life, fortune, power of eye sight, observation, mercury, power of speech,
Second
quality of speech, imagination, wealth, treasures.

Brothers, sisters, courage, patience, servants and subordinates, power of hearing,

Third
diseases of the ear, gold and silver vessels, deeds of heroism.

Education, relations, mother, house, conveyance, comforts, domestic quadrupeds,

Fourth
love of work, reputation, popularity.
Children, uncle, inheritance, intelligence, speculation, manthras, previous karma and
Fifth
father's women.
Sixth Diseases, injuries, accidents, losses, humilation, debts and enemies.
Marriage, love affairs, happiness, relations, preference from royalty, trade, longevity
Seventh
of wife and freedom.
Dangers, struggles, chronic diseases, obstacles, uneasiness, loss of money,
Eighth
extravagence, reputation, enmity.
Fathers's postion, virtue, meritorious wealth, initiation, fertile fields and gardens,
Ninth
supply, divine favour and medicine.
Charity, avocation, public good, mercy, wisdom, worship, renown, fortitude, clothes,
Tenth
meals and mendicancy.

Elder brothers, followers, dependents, gains, insight vehicles, power of overcoming

Eleventh
obstacles, redemption and wealth garments.

Journey, residence in foreign countries on duty, expenditure, real happiness,

Twelfth response, sound sleep, excellent beds, disputes, generosity, sacrifice, prosperity in
business, sorrow and loss.

11. Planetary Occupations

How to calculate occupations  
In an earlier chapter you have studied the planetary states. Here you will be studying the planetary
occupations, which are 27 in number. Effects of those occupations will be felt at the respective dasas
or major period or Anthar dasas i.e., Sub period of the major dasas.

Steps to find the planetary occupations in a horoscope :

1. Calculate the position of Lagna (Ascendant) and place it in the chart.
2. Calculate the position of planets and place them in the 12 zodiacal houses.
3. Count from Aries to the Lagna and know its number.
For example if Virgo(Kanya) is the Lagna, it will be 6th from Aries.
4. Count the number of the houses in which the planet whose occupation we want to assess is
positioned from Lagna.
For example if Saturn is in Aquarius and the Lagna is Kanya, Saturn is taken to be in the 6th House.
5. Add the figures got from 3rd and 4th methods. Double this number and multiply the total with the
respective dasa period of the planet. Divide by 27. The remainder gives the number corresponding to
the planetary occupation. If the remainder is zero then take it as 27.
For example:
From Aries to Lagna is 6.
From Lagna to the planetary position of Saturn is 6.
 When we total these two figures we get 12.
This figure should be multiplied by 2. We get 24.
Saturn's period according to Vimshottaridasa is 19 years. Hence we should multiply above figure by
19. 24 x 19 = 456.
This figures "456" should be divided by 27. The remainder will be planetary occupation of the planet
Saturn in the above example. 456 divided by 27 gives the remainder as 24.
Planetary occupation for 24 is as given in the list below is: Acquisition of Wealth.
When we take a horoscope, the planetary occupation of all the planets should be found out according
to the method given in this lesson. All the planetary occupations of the horoscope gives us an idea to
interpret the over all effect of the horoscope.
 
List of Planetary occupations  
 
No. Occupation Effects
It gives prosperity in the family with children. Better career is also
1 Bathing
indicated.
Acquire wealth or valuables. The person will have great influence in the
2 Dressing
surroundings.
Name and fame, recognition from outsiders. High honour may also be
3 Sweet scents
expected.
Preparation for
4 Money or wealth obtained from earth, earthly things.
worship
Trouble from Government. Loss of wealth indicated. Dishonour may be
5 Praying
experienced.
6 Worships Creates benefit from bad people. Financial gains, popularity.
Sacrificial
7 Digestive trouble, success in education.
preparation
Association with wealthy people. Luxury is gained from earth. Failure of
8 Meditation
opponents.
9 Kneeling Getting of many amenities. Good speech. Double or dual tendency.
Going round the
10 Liver trouble, criminal affairs.
altar
Elevation in the status, Governmental power, Good family ties. Success
11 Contemplation
from all directions.
Reception of
12 Some unexpected wealth. Beware of foul play. Jealousy of others.
Guests
13 Dinner Getting cheated or cheating dispositions. Ill health, irreligious.
14 Drinking Water Unhealthy or unclean food. Bad deeds or sinful actions.
15 Anger Boasting about oneself and selfish tendency.
Chewing Beetle
16 All good indications. Good position and wealth.
leaves
17 Court Entrance Good and calm disposition. High respect.
18 Growing Acquirement of great knowledge or learning and wealth.
 Private
19 Lethargy, indefiniteness in things.
consultation
20 Delay Actions without fore-thinking, unimpressive but it gives learning.
Sensuous nature and indulgence in wasteful things. Improper treatment
21 Sleeping
to the family.
Careless actions. Harmful to near people. All actions are harmful and
22 Drinking
conceited.
23 Sweet drinks Good wife and children and luxurious life.
Acquisition of
24 Great gains in all enterprises amenable to all others.
Wealth
Taking off the
25 Loss of important pursuits. Down fall in all enterprises.
crown
26 Profound sleep Disease. Trouble from those in power.
Sexual Illegal connection with women of disrepute. Bad ways and deterioration
27
intercourse in all undertakings

12. Divisions of Astrology

Divisions of Astrology  
The main divisions of Indian Astrology are:
    Mundane or National Astrology
    Annual Horoscope
    Natal Astrology
    Transit System
    Horary Astrology
    Electional Astrology
 
Explanation of Indian Astrology divisions  
 
Names of
No. Explanation
Divisions
It deals with the celestial phenomena such as Equinoxes, solstices,
Mundane new moon, eclipses, planetary conjunctions and comets. It includes a
1
Astrology study of the influence of these phenomena upon countries, nations and
people.

Annual It is also called Atmospheric Astrology, which deals with the conditions
2
Horoscope of the weather, season etc.

Deals with individual horoscopes and foretells the character and

3 Natal Astrology
destiny of a person.
 Effect of changes in planetary configurations (due to their perennial
4 Transit System
movement) from the position of Moon at the time of birth.

It deals with the science of foretelling the results of any undertaking or

transaction based on the zodiacal placement of planets and the rising
5 Horary Astrology
sign at the moment a question is put to the astrologer. Here the scope
is limited to the immediate future.
It teaches us what should be the rising sign, the configuration of planets
and other factors, at the time of commencement of a good function.
Electional This is done by studying the Thithis, Asterisms, Yogas, Karana and
6
Astrology other parameters. Electional Astrology is used to fix the Muhurtha
(auspicious time) for conducting weddings, entering a newly
constructed house etc.